Ranchers Eligible to Apply for Losses

PC: The Gazette, Bryan Oller

Livestock producers in Otero and Crowley counties, as well as most of Southeastern Colorado counties are eligible to apply for 2018 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on native pasture and improved pasture acres.

LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned and cash leased land or fire on federally managed land. Land leased on a AUM basis is in most cases ineligible.

LFP requires control of both, eligible livestock and eligible pasture. Livestock producers are asked to contact their local FSA office to schedule an appointment and to obtain a list of required documents for application processing.

Eligible livestock producers who haven’t reported their 2018 grazing acres on a FSA-578, must complete a late file by November 15th 2018. FSA may require copies of deeds and leases to establish your farm records prior to you being able to complete your report of acres and a late file fee may apply. Producers who fail to complete an acreage report by November 15th will not be eligible to participate in the 2018 Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

Producers have until January 30, 2019 to file a complete 2018 LFP, CCC-853 and the supporting documentation for their 2018 losses.

Livestock producers are urged to contact their FSA office immediately to schedule an appointment to meet all filing requirements.

Additional information about LFP, including eligible livestock and fire criteria, is available at your local FSA office or online at: www.fsa.usda.gov. Access https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app to find the location and contact information for your FSA Office.

Otero & Crowley County producers can contact the FSA office at 719-24-7672 ext.2